Archive · 5 Oct 2026
BJP Questions Rahul Gandhi’s Silence on Indian Pilot Attack
An Indian pilot named Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight.
The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia after being diverted, and passengers and crew helped stop the attacker.
The BJP praised Smit for protecting the people on board.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra criticised Rahul Gandhi for not posting publicly in support of the pilot.
Patra also referred to past terrorism-related controversies to question Congress’s position.
He said Smit’s actions showed care for others and reflected India’s values.
The report does not include a response from Rahul Gandhi or Congress to Patra’s criticism.
The BJP criticised Rahul Gandhi for not publicly supporting Captain Smit Machchhar after the pilot was attacked.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra invoked the Yakub Memon case and the 2008 Batla House encounter to question Congress’s stance on terrorism.
Patra praised Smit for helping protect about 180 people aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely; reports said passengers and crew helped overpower the attacker.
Patra also criticised Congress leader Imran Masood over remarks he said questioned the significance of Smit’s actions.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, his Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, and BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.
- What
- The BJP criticised Rahul Gandhi’s lack of public comment about the pilot’s attack and praised Smit’s actions.
- When
- The attack occurred on the Wednesday before the report, which was dated October 5.
- Where
- A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Patra used Gandhi’s alleged silence and past terrorism-related controversies to question Congress’s stance against terrorism.
- Report date
- October 5; the report says the BJP made its comments on Monday.
- Flight
- flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot.
- Attacker
- Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami.
- Diversion
- The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
- People on board
- Patra said Smit helped save around 180 people.
- BJP spokesperson
- Sambit Patra.
- Historical reference
- Patra cited the 2008 Batla House encounter and the Yakub Memon case.